Rhodiola rosea (Golden root) is an plant of the Crassulaceae family indigenous to the cold regions of the world such as Arctic regions of Eastern Siberia, the Rocky mountains, mountains of Central Asia, the mountainous parts of Europe.

The perennial plant grows in areas up to 2280 meters elevation, having separate female and male plants, shoots may reach 5 to 35cm in height. Because of its extraordinary anti-stress and positive mood enhancing properties the extract is one of the most popular phytomedicines in Europe and is becoming increasingly popular in North America.

The release of information related to human clinical studies from the former Soviet Union has dramatically increased the interest in this medicinal plant. Rhodiola is included among a class of plant derivatives called adaptogens, which differs from stimulants such as nicotine and amphetamine.

Adaptogens have less efficacy and different physiological effects than stimulants, they are absent from mainstream medicine, but are popular in energy drinks. Pilot studies in humans showed it improves physical and mental performance, and may reduce fatigue. In Russia and Scandinavia it has been used for centuries to cope with the cold Siberian climate and stressful life.

For centuries people around the world have been using herbal remedies – according to statistics 80% of the world population of seven billion = 5.6 billion people are still using herbal remedies and homeopathy for healing – to help their bodies dealing with effects of stress. Ancient cultures had figured out that adaptogenic herbs are the answer long before we in the Western world adapted to it!

Golden root is probably the least known adaptogen in the West, and yet the most impressive of all and in several double blind clinical trials with placebo controls provide strong evidence that the extract possesses positive mood enhancing and anti-stress properties with no detectable levels of toxicity! The extract has been shown to have a positive influence on the higher nervous system, it does increase attention span, memory, improves mental stability and primarily enhances the qualitative indicators of performed work by increases strength and mobility.

Rhodiola's ability to help the body adapt to stress may lie in its ability to enhance the level of serotonin, dopamine and other brain neurotransmitters. Serotonin and dopamine are normally broken down by the enzyme, catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT). Active compounds extracted from Rhodiola have shown to inhibit the activity of COMT. Prominent Soviet scientists Prof.Saratikov and Marina have shown that Golden root can increase the level of neurotransmitters by 30% and decrease COMT activity by 60%.

Rhodiola rosea contain a variety of compounds that may contribute to its effects, including the class of rosavins that includes rosavin, rosarin, and rosin. Several studies have suggested that the most active components are likely to be the rhodioloside and tyrosol showing synergistic effects when a fixed combintion of rhodioloside, rosavin and rosin is used.

Rhodiola's proven effectiveness for depression has led Russian scientists to use it in combination with anti-depressants. Patients intellectual and physical levels increased while the length of hospital stays and negative side effects associated with tricylic anti-depressants decreased.

Golden root extract can help oxygenate the brain as well as the muscles and gives a person a dramatic boost in energy levels. On the basis of positive results from over a decade of clinical trials, in 1975 the Pharmacological Committee of the USSR Ministry of Health authorized for medical use and commercial production an Rhodiola rosea extract.

Despite its rising popularity, public education is still in its infancy, but has lately improved. Misinformation typically used to justify substitution & adulteration makes it difficult for consumers to get the benefits they expect and deserve from the phytomedicines like Golden root. Given that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” professionals and retailers alike should be wary of claims when recommending and stocking product. If in doubt, check the research.

This information is offered for its educational value only and should not be used in the diagnoses, treatment, or prevention of disease. Any attempt or treat illness should come under the direction of your health care practitioner.